It’s the same show that has Anthony Anderson on point. Talking about the use of the N-Word, Pops being afraid to go to doctors, Nepotism, the truth behind the use of black lives, as in Black Lives Matter, and many other issues and concerns and a comedic side when it comes to African-Americans.

But this episode called “Lemons” which had the family and company talking about the election, and the win of Donald Trump: Folks If you HAVE NOT watched this show, it was so powerful! It needed to be said and viewed upon no reason. And oh, this is the same Black-ish show that Donald Trump talked smacked about being racist in all two and half years ago. For all those whom are Trump supporters or even Trump himself, just to clarify: Black-ish is not racist at all. Stop playing!

The highlights of the show, was centered at Dre’s job where most of the conversation was centered around the election. And of course the one half of the highlight was the character Lucy voted for Obama twice, but swung her recent vote to Trump. She expressed that she wanted a female president to run the country, but not her. Her as in Hillary Clinton. And the later reaction of the assumption of her being racist for her vote and have black friends resonated in a rebuttal of her chosen vote.

But the MAIN Meat of the second half was Dre’s viewpoint of America. These words as if not been repeated is this:

‘I love this country—even though, at times, it doesn’t love me back.’

Those words alone. I’ll bet many in my culture of African-Americans have probably been saying for years! Generations. Eras. Take notes, white folks. And the thing is yes, like Dre said, we’ve played ball. We continued to work in all. And the part Dre saying that even though he’s not shocked that Hillary didn’t win, or Trump got his upset win, the same situation didn’t change when it came to the state of Black America. And the thought that at times the way things go, not always the case when it comes to black folks. And the music of Strange Fruit was playing in the background.

Thinking back: those words of again, ‘I love this country—even though, at times, it doesn’t love me back.’ This reminds me of a quote by two black women whom said a similar quote. Research the Delany Sisters, Bessie and Sadie. And this quote:

“We love our country, even though it didn’t love us back.”

Does that sound familiar?

It should! Many of us in the Black Community probably again have been saying that for years.

Now this whole thing about Black-ish being all about racist out of the mouth of our soon-to-be President is flat out ridiculous. Probably he’ll never watch another show of it because of the dialogue he thinks it doesn’t resonate with him. Clearly it doesn’t. What does resonate that the ongoing saga of this country’s DNA of racism will still be examined.

Now keep in mind that Blackish is not The Cosby Show. Not Family Matters or Fresh Prince. Nor any other show like Good Times. Blackish is in its league of its own and like many of the shows before it, the issues of black concerns are still relevant today! Did I mention that Tracee Ellis-Ross won a Golden Globes Award for the show? Like 44 years after her famous mom Diana Ross won hers?

And even if you have a incoming President like Donald Trump talking smack about John Lewis about all talk and no action. Well we know the real resume of John Lewis is not as tainted like a soon to be 45th President.

Here it is: the final week and days of “The centerpiece” of Black History Month 2016. But certainly it won’t be the last of Black History Month, or Black History. Ever.

For many days, yes we have reviewed the highs and lows of our historical perspectives, figures and events. Yes, black folks, we’ll continue to reference our history stuff everyday like many said.

But as a CALLOUT: I have significant warning here, not many of us will acknowledge our history of black stuff.

Like last year, I don’t really acknowledge the “National African-American History Month” name. I keep it straight original about “Black History Month” always! And also, I don’t really acknowledge the “Black Future Month” or “New Black History” things in the BHM. I guess I’m a old school guy that has to me reminded of the ancestors things that got us here in the first place.

Like last year, I need to really ask this: How many of us will actually reference black history everyday? And the keyword is “ACTUALLY”. I hate to say this but to us Black Folks who might get mad at this blog, we will not again fully acknowledge our history everyday. We won’t! Unless if there is a new way of doing it. Yeah, we might have those Black 365 Calendars at home or work where black references are shown everyday, but chances are, we are not going to see them everyday! Why? We might miss them by not referencing each time. Look at our finances, look at our Social Media stats, look at the next line to get the new Air Jordans (which already happened recently at a store near you) dating, some protest downtown, or to see what is up with the soaps that feature some black characters acting a fool of impression to feel that sensitive side creeping up. Here is a rhetorical question, are we still going to learn about our historical figures everyday?! YES or NO?

Now this year, there have been some firsts in black history. Yes, I’m still saying first because I want to see the next line folks getting their stuff.

For this year of the #BHM of 2016:

First: Stacey Dash is a loser. Yeah I said it. She talked about we shouldn’t celebrate a Black History Month and we’re Americans in all. SPOILER ALERT: Black History Month is not cancelled again. We refreshed to learn about ourselves as black folks from the trials, the sacrifices and also the accomplishments. We also learned that there were the “black nobodys” whom were hunged, lynched or burned all because they were black! Hate all you want non-black folks, but that was one of our dark periods. Yes, we reflected on the MLK’s the Rosa Parks, those whom were Unsung and nameless. We have that right and the privilege to learn about our culture just as all of you non-blacks have the rights to talk about the immigrants that came over on boats to Ellis Island and others.

Second on the menu: After what Stacey Dash said on Fox News, the Because Of Them We Can Campaign stepped up and had some of the kids telling us and reminding us of why the occasion has been up all this time. And yes, the kids know that Black History Month didn’t begin with slavery! We need to get the language right! And they did a good job at it. If this can actually continue, can it be a sample of those that can actually do this with our black children?

Third on the menu: Blackish. If those whom doubt that Blackish is some Black show that don’t get gritty about black issues on the conscious level, stop sleeping! The most recent episode that was on TV was called “Hope”. If you haven’t seen the episode, you need to watch it. Especially those who feel that all blacks are the same speech. As a summary of the rundown, the episode itself starts out in the home. Seeing young Dre as a child as being told to turn off the TV by Pops (Laurence Fishburne) while a certain event that shouldn’t be seeing by kids. Or asking the questions of who was this person or that person, and having the parents with books or a Walkman on stand by. Many of us had our parents making us to go to our rooms when a subject concerning violence or hatred happens in a conversation.

We know this, do we?

However in the show, the family watches the CNN coverage. And yet the family still asks questions and gets concerned. Mainly with young Jack and Diane. Also, the scene shifts to Dre and Bow, in which she begins to be concerned. Dre suggests telling the truth. And the scene gravitates towards when President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stepped out of the Limo and waving to the crowd. Even shaking hands. I’ll bet that got many concerned about them being wasted in a violent manner when they did that gesture. However as we know, that never happened. Later on, the older kids of Junior and Zoey were talking about the protest. Junior was all for going to the activity, but Zoey was starting to feel worried about the well being of her brother. He didn’t go alone by the way. Towards the end, the family still learned that even though things of protests, and keeping things shut off, they have managed and learned about the legality of telling the truth of the reasons to face the world of concerns. Overall this was a powerful episode. Even with the words Black Owned spray painted on the garage by Ruby!

Fourth on the Menu: I kept saying in the last few years, that Black History is not just American History. It’s now part of World History. For our Canadian Black Neighbors, they like last year are referencing their Black Accomplishments and figures. But the one thing stood out the most, was this courtesy of Canada’s Huffington Post story of Honoring their Black Historical Figures and Events. Click on the author’s Twitter pic link. Man, listen: This was so cool! Toronto’s landmark CN Tower was lit in the Red, Black and Green! That was off the chain!

I have a question though: Can America do this? Having some or all of the landmarks convert to the Red, the Black, the Green for one day! Or some of the Black Landmarks to the African colors in honor of Black History Month? Milwaukee, you better read this if you like LED Lights on display! For Toronto and the rest of Canada, this marks 20 years since they started Celebrating Black History Month in 1996. So guess what Americans, Black History Month is not just All-American History. It’s a staple of World History. Get it straight! But big ups to the Black Canadians for this. And like last year, keep telling your black stories! No matter what. No matter anyone tells you. Still share your black stories, refresh them everytime, and yes like us Americans we need to keep telling the kids about the reasons why the occasion of Black History Month, exists. Not African-American History or African-Canadian History or Afro-British History or Afro-Anything History. I still stay BLACK HISTORY MONTH due to the global scale!

This just in: Channing Dungey was named the new President of ABC Entertainment. A first for Black History.

Now again, there are those who might say: “Stephen, this Black History Month thing, that’s racist”. It’s not. You non-black folks tell your stories ALL THE TIME! And not once that any black person has stopped you from telling your experiences coming up. Even about various occasions of immigrants moved to America and worked very hard, and etc. We hear them all the time! But my folks were born here and ancestors were African related were shackled, branded, ripped apart, forced to learn new names and languages and still, being called the N-words no matter what we try to achieve for us! And that includes Degrees, Certificates, First Employee or Employees of Color doing this and that. Opening doors for greatness. And many, many, many objectives and purposes that Blacks have and are currently doing in all aspects. Even STILL rising up from the ashes of misguidedness! However again, there are those who feel that it’s racist, that it’s just separating the human race, and many other concerns. Even being “negropeanized”. Um, NO! And speaking of the “human race,” MESSAGE: it was black folks that started the human race. We were the first of human civilization, of science, math, astronomy and others. African-Americans have been in wars of the U.S. more times in history, even making you dance, or play, or sing, all kinds of MUSIC! Even fashion. Making news in journalism, technology, political statements, activism, evangelism and many MANY MANY others! Black folks, we need to keep the reminders! Hit the refresh buttons. No validations necessary. Even though that the 90th Anniversary of Black History Month of 2016 is concluding, yes our references we seek and learn everyday still lingers! So no, the trials and tribulations will not be forgotten!

Everytime I pass by the old A.O. Smith building here in Milwaukee, I am reminded by of my grandfathers, Robert Burton Sr, whom was the first black welder in the City of Milwaukee. This was in an era when black folks were coming up to the north for jobs, and better opportunities to raise families, etc. The Milwaukee Urban League at the time was a link for him to get that job and get employed. (Wish still could be a factor today without the previous attacking at me from 2004) And still even though it’s becoming Century City Business Park, I am STILL REMINDED about the place and time that it was creating jobs in that area that wasn’t always the ghetto!

One of my late uncles, worked for Pfister and Vogel Tannery for nearly 20+ years. And was the first African-American Male to head one of their departments ever. Not making this up.

Plus also, this is for my Black UMC’s in the building. Us black folks know the full story of BMCR and the reasons for it. Now I’ve heard this in church though my former pastors that the first person that John Wesley anointed into Methodism, was black. And this was during the American Revolution when America was fighting for it’s freedom against the tyranny of Great Britain and King George. Even you non-church goers need to understand that.

Furthermore in this #BHM2016: The rise of Afro-Latinos.

Yes, for my Afro-Latino folks, you’ve been in the house. And there is no reason to be left out. Even though that this occasion is for all black folks, this does include you. I read about the success stories of Celia Cruz, Marcus Garvey, Roberto Clemente, Marta Moreno Vega, Arturo Shcomberg, Gina Torres, and even Soledad O’Brien (whom have some black in her). And many other Black Latino men and women that have made fabulous successes. Even those of Tatiyana Ali, and Charles Rangel. I am drawing this from the article via The Grio called “Taking Black History Month to the next level: Why Pan-African history is important” Plus Facebook. They also features, Juliana Pache, who is behind the hashtag of #blacklatinxhistory. This also reminds me of the stories my mother told me about some of the latin folks whom didn’t admit of having some of the African in them, but knowing there are latin folks that do have black in them. Part of that is in the history and should be acknowledged. The same with the Black Samoans, we know one and he’s “the people champ”. And I’ll go even further with Native Americans. Yes, remember those jokes about having Indian in your family, well some of that can be further with the truth. Research! I think it’s time for another DVD to come out with HBO in regarding the The Black List! Just to think that rocker Slash from Guns N’ Roses was in the series, and is part black.

Now usually I don’t agree with the #BlackFutureMonth mentality. But I’ll digress here. For you future kings and queens of the black community: I see you!!!! Even some of you read my blogs with your grown ups, but I see your talents. I see your young talents shine in dance, music, sports, technology, and most of all: education! When you grow up, do all you can to make the world a good place to live. But before you get to those big jobs in the future, and higher education of colleges, make SURE you listen to your parents (even though they might be strict at times), your teachers who might stay on your homework alot. Don’t try to get an attitude all the time, stay grounded with your books, keep dreaming and reach for your goals, and most of all, don’t quit/dropout, and this for mostly the black boys: STAY OUT OF TROUBLE! PLEASE! If you find yourself in trouble, don’t do it on your own. Get help to get out, and stay out! And always acknowledge those who came before you. Without the past, NO FUTURE of anything!

And a final note: this is the last Black History Month Celebration concerning the First Family. Yes, it’s Obama’s last BHM as President. But guess what, his name should be in the books forever with Black History anyway. Now the “yahoos” will try to erase what this man has done during his White House rule, understand this: even though he’s been slighted in all, WE (and you haters of Obama will admit) will miss him when he’s gone!

Here is a pre-Leap Day Bonus: Formation:

Oh, I thought I was done. The talk about Beyonce’s Halftime Show at the SuperBowl and her without warning video was one of the highted spotlights of the month! No one saw it coming like SNL’s Skit of “The Day That Beyonce Turned Black.” And if you’re one of those who felt scared or that DUMB that Beyonce was about to join the Black Panther Party, HOW STUPID YOU WERE! Let’s see, The Black Panthers were in effect until 1982, Beyonce was just about a tyke when she was first born! So there was no way that she was “born” as a Black Panther! Of all those who got their undies in a bunch, it’s all those who claim that Blue Lives Matter were effected. Those who claim that with some law enforcement shootings or killings, they have to claim that Beyonce that was so responsible and had to apologize for her well doing in this. For all those hyper sensitive per se fans of the Law Enforcement Community: Beyonce does not have to say sorry for what she did in the video. OH NO! Part of what Beyonce displayed in a sense of Formation, was partially doing this: “TELLING THE TRUTH!” For those who linked Sheriff David Clarke about his Beyonce commentary must be on the fritz! This is the same David Clarke that said that there is no Police Brutality in America. How so wrong he is! Dumb! Just admit Law Enforcement Community (aka Blue Lives Matter Fans) you’re just mad because that thing called the TRUTH and you can’t take the cake! Eat the freaking cake, yo! Get humbled. And this goes for those who think the word Formation is a bad word. So says the Google.

In addition, Kendrick Lamar once again woke up everyone. This time with the Grammys. Go back and research!

Here is a Mini #BHM2016 Callout: Chris Rock hosted the 88th Academy Awards, and for the first 20 minutes of the show, yes he went like “Bring the Pain” of 1996. Did he not? Or did he sold out as those probably claimed? Read the whole thing please.

This concludes my “Annual Review” of Black History Month 2016. But not of Black History overall. Besides, Black History Month Part II is coming in June, and a Black History Month Part III in July about Black Families is coming also. So get ready once more!